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Gaming, especially online gaming, requires precision and patience to be competitive. In such instances, gaming-focused or generally high-quality peripherals help a lot as they are made to be responsive to your regular budget. One of the most important peripherals is the keyboard itself. As there are many options out there, I have simplified the whole process for you by compiling a list of keyboards that I found ideal for competitive or casual gaming.
The list features different kinds of keyboards, from premium wireless to budget-oriented. I have put in all to help a wider audience and not just a niche category.
Right here is the comparison table that gives an overview of the keyboards I chose for gaming:
Best Gaming Keyboards
Here is the list of keyboards that I found perfect for gaming after my thorough testing:
- Best Overall: Keychron K2 HE
- Best Magnetic: Wooting 80HE
- Best Custom: Lucky65 V2
- Best Wireless: Epomaker P75
- Best Value: Tecware Spectre 75
- Best Typing: Akko MU01
For better understanding, we have also included recorded videos to share the typing experience and sound profiles of each keyboard. We have attached these personally tested videos of each keyboard under their respective recommendation section.
Keychron K2 HE
Best Overall Gaming Keyboard
Weight: 965g | Keycaps: OSA Double-shot keycaps | Frame Material: Aluminum + Wood | Stabilizer: Screw-in PCB stabilizer | Switch: Gateron double-rail magnetic switch | Angle: 5° / 9.34° / 12.43° | Backlight: North-facing RGB LED | Adjustable Actuation Points: 0.2 – 3.8 mm | Connectivity: 2.4 GHz / Bluetooth / Type-C wired | Polling Rate: 1000 Hz / 90Hz | Battery: 4000 mAh
Pros
- Packed with appealing design and wooden accents
- Features magnetic switches for swift actuation response
- Includes stabilizers that are pre-calibrated
- Heavy-duty double-shot keycaps
- Well-implemented RGB effects
Cons
- Not modification friendly
- Doesn’t support magnetic switches other than its own while being a hot-swap keyboard
- The USB port position could have been better
Read Our Keychron K2 HE Review
The Keychron K2 HE is one of the best 75% keyboards, boasting a striking design and the necessary features. Firstly, I liked the overall build quality and the wooden accents on its sides, which complement the keyboard’s appearance. Besides the looks, the keyboard supports wireless functionality via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz radio signals. To further enhance the wireless experience, the keyboard also features a 4000mAh cell that can keep it running for days, as per our testing.
Now, moving to the gaming side of things, the keyboard doesn’t disappoint as we get Gateron Nebula linear switches. They come under the Hall-effect switch type and feature a dynamic actuation point that can be customized anywhere from 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm with the dedicated software. This can help a wider audience of gamers, as everyone prefers different travel distances for their keyboard keys. Similarly, the inclusion of pre-calibrated stabilizers, Rapid Trigger support, and SOCD clearing makes the whole gaming and casual use experience more refined.
This is how we defined the overall K2 HE keyboard in our dedicated review:
The K2 HE strikes a balance between enthusiast-grade features and a mainstream-friendly approach, all at a reasonable price. Its striking design complements a robust build, creating a versatile keyboard that caters equally to gamers and professionals.
What Makes it the Best Overall Gaming Keyboard?
The Keychron K2 HE makes its place in the list with its features and great build quality. The keyboard allows the users to play with its customizable switches and make full use of the rapid trigger support as well as SOCD clearing to have the best chance at winning, especially in competitive games, even in its wireless mode, where the average latency is 5.6 ms. All this makes it the best overall gaming keyboard.
| Performance: 10/10 | Build Quality: 8/10 |
| Design: 8/10 | Typing Experience: 9/10 |
Wooting 80HE
Best Magnetic Gaming Keyboard
Layout: 80% | Number of Keys: 84 | Keycaps: PBT Doubleshot | Case Material: Polycarbonate ABS or Zinc Alloy | Plate Material: White Polycarbonate | Stabilizers: Screw-in stabilizers | Mounting Structure: Gasket Mount | Battery: N/A | Adjustable Actuation Points: 0.4mm – 4.0mm | Polling Rate: 8000 Hz | Dimensions: 346mm x 142mm | Weight: 790g – 2160g
Pros
- Simplistic design
- Extra LED Bar
- Pleasing typing experience
- Bright RGB lights
- Switches are hot-swappable
- Great proprietary software
- Height adjustment possible
- Useful features like Rapid Trigger & SOCD clearing
Cons
- No wireless support
- Pricing could be better
The best magnetic gaming keyboard has to be the Wooting 80HE. It comes in a very simplistic design that gives it a classy look, coupled with the translucent Doubleshot keycaps. Coming over to functionality, I can clearly feel the newer switches, which are the Lekker L60 on this keyboard. The new switches stay mostly on the thocky sound side and aren’t very loud. The overall silent profile of the switches does help it stay on the speedy side, which can be beneficial on the gaming side. To take things to a new level, Wooting’s Wootility software is also one of a kind that leaves no box unchecked in providing a very polished user experience.
What’s more interesting about this keyboard are its features; it’s loaded with extras like Rapid Trigger, Snappy Tappy & Rappy Snappy, and Mod Tap & Dynamic Keystroke. All these fancy names aren’t just gimmicks, as we found them quite useful after our testing. However, they do require some practice to get the hang of each of them, especially for gaming. For example, for Dynamic keystrokes, you have to remember which key will be registered at the set actuation points. Also, despite the somewhat premium price, the keyboard isn’t wireless, which seems like a missed opportunity.
This is how I described the Wooting 80HE after we were done testing it in-depth:
Apart from bleeding-edge performance, the Wooting 80HE builds upon the legacy of its predecessor by improving in all the areas in which the original fell short. The new Lekker V2 switches paired with factory lubed screw-in stabilizers significantly upgrade the stock sound. And the gasket mount allows for a soft and thocky typing experience that only acts as a cherry on top of the world-class gaming keyboard the Wooting 80HE already is.
What Makes It The Best Magnetic Gaming Keyboard?
The Wooting 80HE packs a great punch of different features and overall excellent aesthetics with its appealing RGB effects coupled with the minimalistic design. Moreover, the hot-swappable capability that supports 3rd party magnetic switches, unlike the Keychron K2 HE, which lacks this, is a great bonus. Despite the wireless connectivity and simply due to the bundle of other features, it is hard to beat the Wooting HE when it comes to being the best magnetic gaming keyboard.
Want to explore more magnetic options? Make sure to check this round-up:
| Performance: 10/10 | Build Quality: 8.5/10 |
| Design: 8.5/10 | Typing Experience: 8/10 |
Lucky65 V2
Best Custom Gaming Keyboard
Case Material: CNC 6063 Aluminum | Surface Finish: Anodized or electrophoresis | Mounting Style: PCB gasket mount with silicone beans | Layout: ANSI, ISO | Switch Compatibility: Hot-swappable 5-pin sockets | Stabilizers | Plate-mounted stabilizers | Plate Material: FR4 with no flex cuts | Connectivity: Tri-mode | Battery Capacity: 3750mAh | PCB Features: 1.2mm thickness with flex cuts
Pros
- Looks good and is built well
- Creates a rich and satisfying sound
- Sports a completely screw-less build design
- Has impressively tuned stabilizers
- Good battery timing & overall performance
- Ball-catch assembly is bundled in
Cons
- Per-key RGB control is out of the equation
- Latency in wireless mode is somewhat high
Read Our Lucky65 V2 Custom Review
The Lucky65 V2 is like a dream come true for keyboard enthusiast who loves to tinker a lot and make their keyboards as per their liking. Simply due to the fact that it’s a barebone keyboard that needs to be built first, much like a LEGO set. The keyboard now features an FR4 plate, coupled with the factory-lubed and tuned stabilizers, which creates a fuller and deeper sound. What’s more interesting is the completely screw-less design now that the Ball-Catch structure is in place. This ensures that the modding process stays as convenient as possible.
Similarly, the keyboard also features a 3750mAh cell and support for Bluetooth & 2.4 GHz radio that enables its wireless functionality. While everything sounds great about the keyboard, the software side can be a bit tricky for the casuals. However, if you’re an enthusiast, then you definitely won’t mind digging a little bit to get the VIA working for key mapping and other customizations.
This is our final verdict on the keyboard after reviewing it:
Lucky65 V2 is the best budget custom keyboard out there, bar none. It does 99% of what even its higher-priced competitors, like the ND75, do for less. With the same great build quality, sound, stabs, and performance as its predecessor, the Lucky65 V2 is yet another home run for Weikav. Now, with the ball-catch assembly and VIA support, there are no real complaints left anymore.
What Makes It the Best Custom Gaming Keyboard?
The Lucky65 V2 offers so much while being not-so-expensive like the Wooting 80HE. The keyboard’s unique screw-less design gives it a competitive edge in providing a hassle-free modding and tweaking experience to the user. All this, with the solid performance and sound capabilities, makes it the best custom gaming keyboard.
I tested a lot of different custom keyboards for this guide, and if you want to check more options, I highly suggest you give this guide a read:
| Performance: 9/10 | Build Quality: 9.5/10 |
| Design: 8.5/10 | Typing Experience: 9/10 |
Epomaker P75
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Layout: 75% | Number of Keys: 81 keys + 1 knob | Case Material: CNC Aluminum with Anodized finish | Plate Material: PC | Stabilizers: Pre-lubed Plate-mounted | Mounting Structure: Gasket Mount | Battery: 4000mAh | Polling Rate: 1000Hz for wired and 2.4G, 125Hz for Bluetooth | Keyboard Dimensions: 324.2 x 135.6 x 45.3mm
Pros
- Sleek and minimalistic design
- Solid build quality
- Feels extremely good while typing
- Wireless connectivity is excellent
- Switches & stabilizers are factory-lubricated
- Impressive pricing
- Battery lasts for a good while
Cons
- Doesn’t support VIA/QMK customization
If you hate cables and want a clean, simple look, I suggest you go with the Epomaker P75. Its 75% layout style allows it to look a lot more unique than most keyboards. Especially with the knob and slightly spaced arrow keys on the right side. Other than the build quality, the keyboard is also flexible in terms of switch type, as you can choose from the offered Epomaker Zebra, Epomaker Wisteria linear, and Wisteria tactiles. We tested the Zebra linears and liked their creamy, deep sound that also feels superb while typing.
Moreover, the Doubleshot PBT Cherry profile keycaps and thought-out typing angle also played their part in offering a pleasant typing & gaming experience. And the story still continues, as the keyboard also comes with factory-lubed stabilizers to eliminate any unwanted rattling or ticking noise. Also, the last thing that I liked about it is its big 4000mAh cell and strong wireless performance, thanks to the 2.4 GHz radio and Bluetooth 5.0. It managed to keep latency under 10ms, so competitive gaming is very much possible.
Because of such great features, it also received our Editor’s Choice award, and here’s what we think about it after reviewing it:
Epomaker P75 is an excellent keyboard with best-in-class build quality that speaks to its premium nature. The acoustics are heavenly, the typing experience is refined, and the design is mature enough to look good on any desk. With a decent software experience and solid wireless performance, there is nothing this keyboard can’t do. For the price, it doesn’t get any better.
What Makes It the Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard?
The typing experience is solid on the Epomaker P7, and its wireless in-game is great as well. Moreover, the pre-lubed stabilizers and solid gasket also contribute to its smooth and ticking-free user experience. Overall, I can definitely call the keyboard the best wireless gaming keyboard.
| Performance: 9.5/10 | Build Quality: 10/10 |
| Design: 8.5/10 | Typing Experience: 9/10 |
Tecware Spectre 75
Best Value Gaming Keyboard
Dimensions: L330 x W145 x H38mm | Weight: 0.85kg | Layout: 81-Key 75% Layout | Switch Lifespan: 50 million keystrokes | Legend: Standard US QWERTY | Material: PC Plate + Plastic Case | Switch Type: Brown/Red Pre-lubed Switches | Keycaps: Double-shot, Non-Shinethrough, PBT Keycaps | LEDs: South-facing SMD LEDs | Cable Length: 1.8m Detachable USB-C Braided Cable
Pros
- Robust build quality with premium feel
- Features a customizable & useful display
- Typing experience is one of the best
- Has minimalistic aesthetics with rounded corners
- Switches and stabs are factory-lubed
Cons
- No QMK/VIA support is a bummer
Read Our Tecware Spectre 75 Review
The Tecware Spectre 75 is a great budget motherboard that offers all the essentials, as well as some extras that aren’t just a gimmick. Firstly, the board encompasses clean aesthetics with a matte finish and no distractions on the keyboard whatsoever. After that, the Spectre 75 comes with proprietary Candy Red linear or Cocoa Browns tactile switches that are pre-lubed like the installed stabilizers. We get no wobble or rattling noise; however, it does end up making a less thocky but deep and satisfying sound upon usage.
Another thing that makes it a solid-value gaming keyboard is the inclusion of a 1.14″ display right parallel to the volume knob. Now, the cool thing about it is its implementation, as it’s not used as a gimmick but can come in handy. The display can be controlled via the volume as well as the proprietary software to set and choose from different videos/gifs or time & computer stats to be displayed. Despite having a display and loads of RGB lights, the keyboard ends up providing a full day’s worth of usage in wireless mode, thanks to its 4000mAh cell.
This is how we spoke about the Tecware Spectre 75 after our review:
The Tecware Spectre 75 is a fantastic budget keyboard with no apparent flaws, as long as you’re willing to pay for it. The build quality matches well with the simple design, but the inclusion of a screen and volume knob diversify the package nicely. Not only does the company nail the basics, but the superb implementation of the screen transforms it from a gimmick to a genuine feature. This is the best budget plastic prebuilt out right now.
What Makes It the Best Value Gaming Keyboard?
The Spectre 75 already comes under the budget keyboard category. And the stuff it’s packing inside of it truly shows how great of a value deal this keyboard is. It ranges from solid typing performance to long-lasting battery and a dedicated screen that comes in handy for stats and other fun stuff like a custom video or GIF. These things don’t come for free, and where most keyboards don’t offer such extras, this keyboard surely takes the best value gaming keyboard crown by offering those.
| Performance: 8.5/10 | Build Quality: 8.5/10 |
| Design: 8/10 | Typing Experience: 8/10 |
Akko MU01
Best Typing Experience Gaming Keyboard
Switch Options: Akko Rosewood | Connection Modes: Wired (USB-C), Bluetooth 5.0, and Wireless (2.4GHz) | Hot-Swappable: Yes, 5-pin south-facing sockets | Key Rollover: N-Key Rollover supported | Macro Support: Akko Macro V1.0 | Case Material: Walnut wood | Keycaps: PBT material, MOA profile, dye-sub legends | Dimensions: 327 x 125.3 x 36.7 mm | Weight: ~850g
Pros
- Very unique wooden housing with gasket mount
- Looks great with Japanese artwork
- Solid and beautiful keycaps
- Tactile feel while typing with Rosewood switches
- Incredibly well-tuned stabs
- Works flawlessly when wireless
Cons
- The RGB lights seem dim
- Wireless switch placement is odd
If you’re in for a treat for the eyes kind of keyboard that also exhibits excellent typing experience qualities, then the Akko MU01 is the one to pick. The first highlighting feature that you can easily notice at first glance is its build quality and material. The keyboard’s chassis is made out of walnut wood that has a subtle yet uplifting scent. Secondly, the Japanese artwork on the MOA profile keycaps further improves the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.
Thirdly, when it comes to the fundamentals, it didn’t disappoint us at all, as the Akko Rosewood switches that it features work great. Not only do they work flawlessly, but they also create a thocky sound. Moreover, they feel remarkably smooth when typing, partially thanks to the pre-lubed stabilizers they use. Lastly, the keyboard also sports wireless functionality, which is the cherry on top. However, the dim RGB lights seem like the only flaw to me.
Here’s how I summarized the MU01 in my dedicated review:
The Akko MU01 is a fantastic prebuilt that hits the nail on all of the important things while having the novelty of being made out of wood. It looks—and weirdly, smells—beautiful but the typing experience is what seals the deal. A thocky sound signature with perfect stabs and some gorgeous keycaps that make up for an awesome keyboard all around, for both gaming and professional work.
What Makes It the Best Typing-Experience Gaming Keyboard?
The Akko MU01 is truly a one-of-a-kind keyboard that stands out not only because of its unique aesthetics but also the build quality as well as the phenomenal typing experience. All credit goes to the spectacular Rosewood switches, coupled with the pre-lubed stabs and proper gasket mount. They all collectively contribute to delivering a heavenly typing experience, hence calling it the best typing experience gaming keyboard.
| Performance: 9/10 | Build Quality: 9/10 |
| Design: 10/10 | Typing Experience: 9.5/10 |
Important Keyboard Terms
I felt like I should clarify some important terms related to keyboards, which would help you understand reviews and make better buying decisions.
- Switch Type: A keyboard features a lot of switches; each switch is responsible for different functions on the screen when pressed. Now, these switches also come in different varieties, like hall-effect switches, mechanical switches, and optical switches. They all are different from each other and sound and feel completely different.
- Latency: The time the keyboard takes for the key to actually register on the computer once it’s pressed is called latency. The lower the latency, the better the response during gaming, as well as general typing.
- Keyboard Layout: It simply means how the keys are arranged on the keyboard. There are several famous keyboard layouts, such as ANSI, ISO, and JIS. Also, when it comes to compact size, we have 60%, 75%, TKL, and 40%.
- Hot-Swappable Sockets: This is a feature that many keyboards offer, which allows users to swap their keyboard’s switches as they are not soldered to the PCB.
- Polling Rate: This is the frequency at which the keyboard is reporting total keypresses to the computer. It is measured in Hz, where 1,000Hz equals a 1ms response time.
How We Tested These Keyboards
We take a decent bit of time to thoroughly test each keyboard that we put on the recommendation list. This is to ensure you get the best keyboard experience, whether you’re a gamer, typist, or a mix of both, like us.
- Features: Firstly, we looked at the overall build quality of the keyboard; then, we moved over to the other characteristics of it. Such as what size category it belongs to, whether it’s a TKL, 60%, 75%, or something else. Moving forward, we also considered its price and the switches it features. Moreover, things like polling rate, keycap material, software support, responsiveness, and positioning of the ports were also considered. Also, we can’t forget the RGB light customization in our testing, can we?
- Keystrokes: We also tested each key on the keyboard individually to make up our mind on the overall performance. This helped us determine whether the keyboard has optimal travel distance and actuation force for fun gaming experiences and extensive typing sessions.
- Typing Experience: We also tested the keyboards for longer typing sessions by monitoring their switch response and pre-travel distances for speed and comfort. Similarly, we also factored in key spacing and tried to find how the keyboards feel when used for extensive use sessions.
FAQs
This is one of the most asked questions, and the answer varies from person to person. If you’re someone who can benefit from even the tinniest improvement for your game, then yes, as gaming keyboards do show a better response and overall performance.
It used to be a thing of the past because of the bad latency. Since now we have pretty fast wireless signal receivers in keyboards that have taken down the latency by a lot. Though they do cost more than a wired edition, it’s all personal preference and budget in the end.
Now, this again varies from person to person; however, if we look at it from a practical point of view. The compact keyboards make more sense as they leave a lot of space for mouse movements, which is needed during competitive games like CS2.
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Born and raised around computers, Huzaifa is an avid gamer and a keyboard enthusiast. When he’s not solving the mysteries of technology, you can find him obsessing over semiconductors, striving to inform the curious.
He’s been modding tech since forever and knows a thing or two about what makes a great typing experience, making him the perfect expert to rely on for your keyboard recommendations! With his IT certification from Google, you can trust him to advise you with deliberation and integrity.
- Favorite Prebuilt: Epomaker P75
- Favorite Budget Option: Tecware Spectre 75
- Favorite Custom Keyboard: TKD Cycle7 / Lucky65 V2
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